Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

That year, "Memphis" went to #5 on Billboard's Pop chart and #4 on the R&B chart.

Johnny Rivers incorporated some of what Mack did -- guitar lines, uptempo arrangement -- for his hit single a year later. Yes, "Inspired" by Elvis' January 1964 acetate of a revved-up vocal version, Lonnie Mack's musicality also played a part as well in the creation and release of the Rivers single.

This collection is a cool place to hear more of Lonnie Mack's incredible guitar playing (and some soulful vocals):

Lonnie Mack - The Wham of That Memphis Man (Fraternity, 1963)

Side 1Wham Where There's A Will The Bounce I'll Keep You Happy Memphis

Side 2Baby, What's Wrong Down And Out Satisfied Suzie-Q Why Down In The Dumps

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You can hear Elvis playing a bit of "Baby, What's Wrong" during his June 24, 1968 dressing room rehearsal.

Last edited by drjohncarpenter on Tue Mar 02, 2010 12:46 am, edited 1 time in total.

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Tue Mar 02, 2010 12:45 am

Doc, I LOVE Mack's version!

This is a nice little collection on ACE:

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Tue Mar 02, 2010 5:09 pm

What do you think about the 1963 version. IIRC, Guralnick said that it was much "earthier" than the 1964 Master. Do you agree with that?

PS: Thanks for the info, Doc!

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Fri Mar 05, 2010 3:58 pm

many J Lee Lewis' versions are outstanding

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:54 pm

Of Elvis' versions I prefer '63. "64 master is too "polished."

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Fri May 14, 2010 2:42 pm

Johnny rivers.

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Fri May 14, 2010 2:45 pm

Swingin-Little-Guitar-Man wrote:Johnny rivers.

Traitor !

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Mon May 17, 2010 9:23 am

LOL Colin. Ity IS though!

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Sat May 22, 2010 12:58 am

Of all the versions listed I prefer the Johnny Rivers version also. Would have been interesting to hear Elvis take the song a little slower pace (way too fast). Maybe even in a different (lower key). So add my name to the list of traitors.

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Sun May 23, 2010 11:00 am

Yeah Jerry, I'm with ya there. The Elvis master is too tight. The rejected master is looser and better. But the drums are too much. Sounds kinda like a 1970 opening vamp for a show! Maybe could have made a nice show opener?

But Johnny's version is terrific and the guitar intro is so cool. Even James replicates it on the rare 6th Aug 1973 vegas version with Elvis!

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Sat Aug 07, 2010 10:28 pm

I don't know what Elvis' problem was with this song because he could never get it right.

If he completed a satisfactory take on the song in 1963 then Rivers never would have been able to scoop him.

Elvis did a fantastic job on ''Too much monkey business'' and ''Promised land'' but ''Memphis'' is average.